Arsenal will be eager to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League on Friday evening when they face Aston Villa at the Emirates.
The Gunners had to be content with a point at home against London rivals Crystal Palace on Monday night thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from substitute Alexandre Lacazette.
Unbeaten in five league games, Mikel Arteta’s side will head into Friday’s clash in a buoyant mood and aim to take all three points against Aston Villa.
Arsenal Team News
Bukayo Saka was forced off following a nasty challenge by Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur. He was substituted at halftime and remains a big doubt to feature against Aston Villa.
Granit Xhaka suffered a cruel injury following a collision with Tottenham’s Lucas Moura in the north London derby last month and is likely to keep the central midfielder out on the sidelines for the next couple of months.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale has proven to be a reliable option in goal for the Gunners so far but he could have done better to keep out Crystal Palace’s second goal. Nevertheless, he should keep his place in the Arsenal lineup.
Defence
Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes are starting to form a fine partnership at the back and Arteta will certainly not want to disrupt it. The duo could start on Friday and will have to be at their toes from the start to finish to keep Aston Villa’s Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins at bay.
At full-back positions against the Villans, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are expected to keep their places.
Midfield
Mikel Arteta is unlikely to go with just one sitting midfielder as he did against Crystal Palace. Thomas Partey cannot do it all on his own and needs support in the middle of the park, which Albert Sambi Lokonga will provide on Friday. Lokonga will look to atone for the mistake he committed which led to Crystal Palace’s counter-attack and second goal on Monday.
Emile Smith Rowe will look to provide creativity and energy from the no.10 role and help Arsenal breach Villa’s backline at the Emirates Stadium.
Attack
Nicolas Pepe is yet to produce anything notable for the Gunners so far this season and could be dropped for the upcoming game. Martin Odegaard could take his position off the right and cause problems to Dean Smith’s side with his vision, passing ability and movement.
Alexandre Lacazette’s impact off the bench against Crystal Palace should be enough for Arteta to hand the Frenchman his first start of the Premier League season. And to accommodate Lacazette into the Arsenal lineup, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be moved to the left flank, as the north Londoners aim to beat Villa.
